Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday said the state Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) generated N800 million from ticket sales to commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) in 11 months of the outgoing year.

Mr Akeredolu disclosed this at the raffle draw and distribution of gifts to commercial motorcyclists organised by the ODIRS as a form of appreciation to them.

Mr Akeredolu, represented by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, lauded the consistency of commercial motorcyclists in the daily purchase of tickets.

He said his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for motorcyclists in the state within the stipulated periods given to them.

The governor said before the advent of his administration, motorcycle revenue collection in the state was N4.8 million in 2017, and his administration improved the generation to N350 million in 2018 and N538 million in 2019.

Mr Akeredolu further said that with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the state generated N660 million and N750 million in 2021.

“From the records presented, I am delighted to see the level of high compliance of Commercial Motorcycle (Okada) riders to buying their daily tickets and contributing their quota to the development of Ondo State with an improved collection rate.

“It is in the light of the foregoing that we decided to give back to our riders in seven local government areas, namely; Akure South, Akure North, Akoko South West, Idanre, Okitipupa, Ondo West and Owo for a job well done within the course of the year.

“We believe this is indeed an encouraging development and a positive reinforcement to the outstanding local governments in Ondo State,” the governor said.

The chairman of ODIRS, Tolu Adegbie, thanked Mr Akeredolu for rewarding motorcyclists.

“Permit me to mention that on a comparative analysis basis, there has never been any administration in Ondo State Internal Revenue that has been this active and accountable in Corporate Service Responsibilities.

“Upon coming on board with the present administration, we resolved to take up promotional movements and strategies to complement the state government’s agenda and gladly, a lot has been achieved in this regard,” he said.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Doyin Odebowale, appealed to all motorcyclists to exercise caution in their speed limit during the yuletide.

(NAN)